Old Dominick Cask Strength Bourbon Review & Tasting Notes

 

Earlier this month, I reviewed Old Dominick Bottled-in-Bond Tennessee Whiskey. I could rehash the brand’s background, but it might be easier to have you read it here.

 

One of the exciting things about these Old Dominick whiskeys is they’re no longer sourced from MGP. These are all the brainchildren of Master Distiller Alex E Castle.

 

“I love that I get to be creative. I really enjoy product development and getting to play with different flavors and ingredients.” – Alex E Castle

 

Today, I’m exploring Old Dominick Cask Strength Bourbon. Batch 2 was distilled in the Fall of 2018. Made from a mash of 52% corn, 44% rye, and 4% malted barley, it aged four years in West Tennessee white oak barrels. It is non-chill filtered and comes from a six-barrel batch. Entry proof was 55% ABV (110°), and by the time the angels got done with it, cask strength was 57.28% ABV (114.56°). A 750ml package has a suggested price of $69.99.

 

Observation: Despite the label suggesting this is Batch 2, I believe it is really Batch 4, which matches what is on Old Dominick’s website. Batch 2 is listed at 90° whereas Batches 3 and 4 are Cask Strength.

 

I loved the Bottled-in-Bond version. Will this Cask Strength hold up? To answer that, we’ll #DrinkCurious, but first, I must thank Old Dominick for providing me with a sample in exchange for my no-strings-attached, honest review. 

 

Appearance: I poured this Bourbon into my Glencairn glass intending to sip it neat. The whiskey inside was dark orange amber, forming a reasonably wide rim. After a second or so, thick tears began to flow back to the pool of liquid sunshine.

 

Nose: My nostrils found smells of cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, chocolate, and oak. There was also a hint of cherries. Drawing the air through my mouth revealed cherries and a healthy dose of vanilla.

 

Palate: This Bourbon’s texture was oily and spicy. The front offered flavors of leather, tobacco leaf, and corn. The middle tasted of dark chocolate, toffee, and Marischino cherries as it continued its trek. The back consisted of dry oak, clove, and tobacco.

 

Finish: I encountered a lot of tobacco and dried hay notes during the long-lasting finish. Cherries, corn, leather, and clove were evident.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: The first question is, How does this compare to the Bottled-in-Bond version? That’s an unfair question because these are two completely different whiskeys from the mashbill down. They don’t smell or taste alike. But, it is a testament to how diverse Castle’s talents are.

 

The second question is, Did I like this? That’s a fair question, and I very much did. Batch 2 (or 4) is a wonderfully well-balanced Bourbon with depth and character. I really enjoyed the finish with the dry hay and tobacco leaf qualities. It is reasonably priced and worth picking up a Bottle. You won’t be sorry. Cheers!

 

My Simple, Easy-to-Understand Rating System

• Bottle = Buy It
• Bar = Try It
• Bust = Leave It

 

Whiskeyfellow encourages you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit but begs you to do so responsibly.